China has reiterated its stance that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is an internal affair that requires the approval of the Chinese government. This assertion follows the Dalai Lama's recent statements regarding his reincarnation and the process for choosing his successor. China insists that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, as well as other prominent Buddhist figures, must adhere to Chinese laws and regulations, including the selection process involving the drawing of lots from a golden urn and approval by the central government.
China's Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stated that the reincarnation of Tibetan "living Buddhas" must be approved by the state and comply with Chinese laws, religious rituals, and historical precedents. They consider the matter a component of national sovereignty and religious regulation. According to Beijing, any successor chosen outside of China or appointed by exiles would be deemed illegitimate.
The selection method involving the golden urn was introduced during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. The current Dalai Lama does not favor this method, arguing that it lacks "spiritual quality".
China views the current Dalai Lama as a separatist and maintains that only Beijing has the authority to decide on his successor. They insist that the reincarnated Dalai Lama must be identified within China's Tibetan territories, granting the Communist Party significant control over the decision. This stance is rooted in the Regulations on Religious Affairs and Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas issued by the Chinese government.
In response to the Dalai Lama's recent book, China insists that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should control the reincarnation of Tibetan lamas. According to China's Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, the Dalai Lama has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system will continue. He stated that the practice of reincarnation has existed for over 700 years and is not subject to individual discretion. Xu emphasized that the Dalai Lama is part of a historical and religious succession and cannot unilaterally decide whether the institution should continue or end.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has stated that his successor will be born outside of China. In his recent book, he suggests that the next Dalai Lama will be born in the "free world" to continue his mission of advocating for universal compassion, serving as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people. He has also indicated that his reincarnation could be found in India.
The differing views on the reincarnation process could lead to the emergence of two competing Dalai Lamas: one chosen by the Chinese government and another backed by high-ranking monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama. This situation has already occurred with the Panchen Lama, the second most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, the Chinese government appointed its own candidate after the Dalai Lama recognized another individual. The whereabouts of the Dalai Lama's choice have remained unknown since then.
The Chinese government defends its religious policies, asserting that aligning religious practices with Chinese traditions is not a restriction but rather an adaptation to the country's social environment and cultural traditions. They claim that the survival and development of any religion depend on this adaptation.
